As the nation closes in on its 250th birthday, and Ridgefield remembers the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Ridgefield next spring, The Meetinghouse is remembering its own role in history. This campus is part of the land that the Ramapo people inhabited. General George Washington, Alexander Hamilton and the Marquis de Lafayette passed through as part of their Revolutionary War movements. Lt. General Rochambeau and his French troops camped on the grounds during the war.
In the historic Meetinghouse itself, community discussions and meetings were held. When it was time to vote to join the war, it took three votes because the neighborhood was made up of both Loyalists and Patriots, and it was not an easy decision for anyone. In the historic Meetinghouse the decision was made as to who to send to the first Continental Congress. Over in the Benedict House, there is the story of the British troops marching up George Washington Highway after having burned Danbury. They were trying to make it to the coast to meet their ships. A Benedict girl leaned out a window and yelled, “GO HOME!”. One of the soldiers shot at her, but she was pulled back in safely. That British march to the coast led to the Battle of Ridgefield.
During the 1800s, the Amistad captives were on trial at the Federal Courthouse in New London, CT. The Meetinghouse chose to support the captives financially and with material goods. In the 1900s our campus was declared a spot on the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route and The Meetinghouse was put on the National and State Registers of Historic Places.
During our present time, we are returning the buildings and campus of The Meetinghouse to a 21st century version of its original purpose. We are gathering people to have important discussions, most recently for a discussion with Connecticut Congressman Jim Hines on foreign policy. We have partnered with the Ridgefield Historical Society for talks about slavery in Ridgefield and the role of Rochambeau in the Revolutionary War. We always get several interns at the end of the school year as a part of the high school’s senior internship program. Each year they create a portrait of leadership for themselves and the group. They also design and run a social action project. The first group created a fundraiser for R.O.A.R., while the year 2 interns created a social action map digitally connecting every non-profit in town. This year’s group designed and led the community summit Better Together. The Meetinghouse also offers opportunities to celebrate art and to walk the paths and connect with nature. Community can be found as people have a bite to eat in The Market or gather for concerts. A level of relaxation and peace can be felt in the Wellness Center or out on the patio. Most importantly, we are creating a place of belonging for the community.
To continue this work and to preserve this campus, we are looking to you. We are hoping that you will pledge $250 per year over the course of five years to support us. To play on America’s birthday we are calling the campaign 250 for 250. We would love to have 250 households participate. Of course, if you can give more, we would appreciate it, and if you are unable to give the $250, we would be grateful for whatever you can give. No matter what level of giving you are willing to do, go to 250 for 250 for more information and to make your pledge.
Join us in the journey, the community, and the history making of The Meetinghouse!
Heather Cochrane
Board President, The Meetinghouse
